Spencer's setback

OLDHAM prop Jack Spencer's injury-ravaged season has taken another turn for the worst.

He suffered a recurrence of shoulder trouble against Whitehaven, in his first game for eight weeks, and he has now been told he could be out for another month.

In his first season at Oldham, the former Barrow and Halifax forward played in 11 of the first 13 games in cup and league before breaking bones in a hand in the defeat of Featherstone Rovers at Bower Fold on May 1.

He was out for a few weeks with that, but when he was set to return to action he damaged a shoulder in training.

His luck seemed to have changed when he was cleared to play against Whitehaven. He started on the bench, but got his big chance after 25 minutes when he replaced Joe Burke.

Oldham coach Scott Naylor, speaking after last night's training session, said: "Jack suffered a recurrence. He has a lot of swelling in the joint and he could possibly be out for another four weeks.

"He has been over to Huddersfield Giants (Oldham's Super League partner club) to be examined by their medical team and they've given us a prognosis very quickly.

"The first job is to get the swelling down and then we'll look at him again in a few days, but he's not going to be back playing for several weeks."

Naylor confirmed there were no more casualties from Sunday's 26-18 win against Whitehaven. He will have options in several positions when picking his team to play Sheffield Eagles away on Friday night (8pm).